Kadian, founder of Bourn Beautiful Naturals shares what Black History Month means

Introducing the face behind the brand. We spoke with Kadian, the founder of Birmingham based Bourn Beautiful Naturals about what Black History Month means. We also discussed, the future of the black hair industry in the UK and Kadian’s favourite products from the Bourn range of natural hair products, which are all handmade.

ABOUT KADIAN, FOUNDER OF BOURN BEAUTIFUL NATURALS

Bourn Beautiful Naturals is a black woman-owned company, named after a brook in the West Midlands, UK. We focus on maintaining the optimal moisture balance of Afro-textured hair, in plant-based formulas that are both effective and feel luxurious. Everything I sell, I use. For two years I experimented and tested formulas on myself, friends and family. Soon a few of them began to request specific items, some of which evolved into items we now sell. Each product I create because making them nourishes my soul and gives me purpose. That purpose is to help solve your hair challenges and make you feel fantastic in the process.

WHAT DOES BLACK HISTORY MONTH MEAN TO YOU?

“I see Black History Month as a time to put our cultures and history centre stage, and to tell those stories we don’t normally get to tell at other times of the year. I think we need to see it as something for us primarily that others get to benefit from”. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE/PROVERB?

You wanna fly, you got to give up the sh!t that weighs you down. -Toni Morrison

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE UK BLACK HAIR INDUSTRY?

The future is very bright for the UK Black hair industry to become leaders across Europe, as we are leading the way. I think even the Americans will be looking toward what we are doing and be influenced. Our ingredients tend to be cleaner and more mindful. I do, however, think we need to be careful of the larger corporations, who – if they cannot take market share by copying with spin-off brands – will make enticing offers to absorb our companies into their brands. That’s not always a bad thing, but we need to be vigilant. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT FROM YOUR RANGE?

My personal favourite product is our Avocado Smoothie Conditioner. My reason is sentimental and very practical. It was the first product I ever developed, so it’s always going to be my baby. But moreover, it does its job. It helps me cut my detangling time down significantly! And I actually love the way my hair feels even if I don’t put in Leave Me Be Leave-In conditioner after rinsing it out.